We love teenagers!
Most importantly, GOD loves teenagers. Sometimes we, as adults, may look at them as the problem, but really they are the solution - and the future of our society and the church. Think about it... in 10 or 20 years, how old will they be? What responsibilities and careers will they have? What authority will they stand in?
We want them to grow into wise adults and well-rounded people. That can't happen by just dumping information into their heads. It is vital that we CONNECT with them to help them grow into good adults who are full of faith and Love God. At IPF we teach them the Word of God and how to know God, love Him. We seek to connect with each young person, because each one of them is unique and valuable in the eyes of the Lord.
IPF Real Youth is for teens from 6th grade to 12th, including reacent graduates. Our youth leader, Mariela Barea, is a local High School Spanish teacher and has many years in the church, including serving as our worship leader in the past. Mariela and her team are all background checked and approved, plus hand picked by our pastoral team. You can trust your teen with their wise leadership.
So let's connect with the IPF Real Youth group this Thursday. Weekly services - with live worship, a message guaged to their ages, and fun and food - are every Thursday from 7 to 8:30pm at the church. And we also do activities outside throughout the year.
Come check it out!
We want them to grow into wise adults and well-rounded people. That can't happen by just dumping information into their heads. It is vital that we CONNECT with them to help them grow into good adults who are full of faith and Love God. At IPF we teach them the Word of God and how to know God, love Him. We seek to connect with each young person, because each one of them is unique and valuable in the eyes of the Lord.
IPF Real Youth is for teens from 6th grade to 12th, including reacent graduates. Our youth leader, Mariela Barea, is a local High School Spanish teacher and has many years in the church, including serving as our worship leader in the past. Mariela and her team are all background checked and approved, plus hand picked by our pastoral team. You can trust your teen with their wise leadership.
So let's connect with the IPF Real Youth group this Thursday. Weekly services - with live worship, a message guaged to their ages, and fun and food - are every Thursday from 7 to 8:30pm at the church. And we also do activities outside throughout the year.
Come check it out!
Middle School
Thursdays 7-8:30pm
We teach all our Youth the Bible, equipping them to cope successfully with the challenges of this phase of life. Middle School can bee an awkward in-between age, but they are a wonderful combination of child and adult, very playful still, but transitioning toward adults. We seek to teach them at a deeper level than the kids, but still let them express themselves with their child-like sillyness. Sometimes they drive us a little crazy, but they are super creative and fun when you connect with them.
The middleschoolers share the same worship time and games with high school, but have separate class time when it's appropriate.
The middleschoolers share the same worship time and games with high school, but have separate class time when it's appropriate.
High School
High School students can be a bit exasperated by the Middleschoolers, but they are a great role model for the younger ones. We encourage the older kids to mentor the younger ones as much as possible. Still, there are times when the older ones need their own space. We teach all our Youth the Bible, equipping them to cope successfully with the challenges of this phase of life. We love our High School kids and we have seen our youth succeed exceedingly well in entering and graduating from great colleges. But the greatest reward is when they continue on with God after they reach the age to decide for themselves whether to stay in church. Many of our youth continue on into the IPF Young Adults group 'Limitless'.
The highschoolers share the same worship time and games with middle school, but have separate class time when it's appropriate.
The highschoolers share the same worship time and games with middle school, but have separate class time when it's appropriate.
Resources for Parents
Parents, We know that navigating the process of raising teenagers in this day is a huge challenge. But there are some great resources available. We encourage you to check out the following books, articles, and ministries to help you with the process. Of course, the God's Word and the Holy Spirit are the greatest resource we could possibly have. You are not alone! Pray every day, bind the powers of darkness, and declare the Word of God over them. And get them to youth group! It makes a huge difference. God has an amazing plan for your teenager. Believe in them and help them be all He has in their destiny. Together, we will do everything possible to help them grow into amazing adults.
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BIBLE ONLINE & DEVOTIONALS
Read the Bible
Family Devotionals
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BOOKS ON SEX & PURITY
The New Rules for Love, Sex, and Dating by Andy Stanley
Teaching Your Children Healthy Sexuality by Jim Burns
Finally Free: Fighting for Purity with the Power of Grace by Heath Lambert
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BOOKS AND ARTICLES ON FAITH & CULTURE
The Daniel Dilemma: How to Stand Firm and Love Well in a Culture of Compromise by Chris Hodges
The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer
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BOOKS AND ARTICLES ON FAITH IN THE DIGITAL AGE
12 Ways Your Phone is Changing You by Tony Reinke
Article: Parenting Your Teenager In a Digital Media World by Art Bamford and Kara Powell
The Tech-Wise Family by Andy Crouch
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COMMUNITY RESOURCES
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Call 988 or Text 988 or Chat on the Website
www.988lifeline.org
We can all help prevent suicide. The 988 Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United States.
To access support in Spanish, just dial 988. You'll hear a message telling you that you've reached the 988 suicide prevention and crisis line. Then, you'll hear some on-hold music as we transfer you to a qualified person. This person will listen to you, provide support, and share any resources that may be helpful to you.
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Samaritan Counseling Services of the Gulf Coast
(941) 926-2959
www.samaritangulfcoast.com
A fully accredited, full service counseling facility offering 12 locations throughout Sarasota and Manatee counties. Established in 1999, Samaritan provides counseling for individuals, couples, families, and children, as well as career, personality, and psychological assessments. We are here to address problems, encourage spiritual and personal growth, and explore solutions – and we are here to listen. To provide comprehensive mental health services, we have a team of 30 staff interns, psychologists, social workers, mental health counselors, and marriage and family therapists. Our counselors are here to help you with whatever issues you’re facing, and you can be assured that we adhere to the highest standards of confidentiality.
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SPARCC Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center
2139 Main St, Sarasota, FL 34237
(941) 365-0208
www.Sparcc.net
A dedicated organization committed to supporting survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. Our mission revolves around providing essential resources, counseling, and shelter to those in need. Whether you require assistance or aspire to make a difference through donations or volunteering with us, you play a vital role in creating a safer, more compassionate community. organization
---------------
BIBLE ONLINE & DEVOTIONALS
Read the Bible
Family Devotionals
---------------
BOOKS ON SEX & PURITY
The New Rules for Love, Sex, and Dating by Andy Stanley
Teaching Your Children Healthy Sexuality by Jim Burns
Finally Free: Fighting for Purity with the Power of Grace by Heath Lambert
---------------
BOOKS AND ARTICLES ON FAITH & CULTURE
The Daniel Dilemma: How to Stand Firm and Love Well in a Culture of Compromise by Chris Hodges
The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer
---------------
BOOKS AND ARTICLES ON FAITH IN THE DIGITAL AGE
12 Ways Your Phone is Changing You by Tony Reinke
Article: Parenting Your Teenager In a Digital Media World by Art Bamford and Kara Powell
The Tech-Wise Family by Andy Crouch
---------------
COMMUNITY RESOURCES
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Call 988 or Text 988 or Chat on the Website
www.988lifeline.org
We can all help prevent suicide. The 988 Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United States.
To access support in Spanish, just dial 988. You'll hear a message telling you that you've reached the 988 suicide prevention and crisis line. Then, you'll hear some on-hold music as we transfer you to a qualified person. This person will listen to you, provide support, and share any resources that may be helpful to you.
---------------
Samaritan Counseling Services of the Gulf Coast
(941) 926-2959
www.samaritangulfcoast.com
A fully accredited, full service counseling facility offering 12 locations throughout Sarasota and Manatee counties. Established in 1999, Samaritan provides counseling for individuals, couples, families, and children, as well as career, personality, and psychological assessments. We are here to address problems, encourage spiritual and personal growth, and explore solutions – and we are here to listen. To provide comprehensive mental health services, we have a team of 30 staff interns, psychologists, social workers, mental health counselors, and marriage and family therapists. Our counselors are here to help you with whatever issues you’re facing, and you can be assured that we adhere to the highest standards of confidentiality.
---------------
SPARCC Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center
2139 Main St, Sarasota, FL 34237
(941) 365-0208
www.Sparcc.net
A dedicated organization committed to supporting survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. Our mission revolves around providing essential resources, counseling, and shelter to those in need. Whether you require assistance or aspire to make a difference through donations or volunteering with us, you play a vital role in creating a safer, more compassionate community. organization